Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristina Ivane
Hi Cristina, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my career in the industry as a volunteer at the now-defunct LA Film Festival in 2013. At the time, I was enrolled in a film program at Pasadena City College and felt the need to gain real-world experience beyond the academic environment. I volunteered at every film festival I could, gradually working my way up from volunteer to intern, and eventually transitioning to a paid freelancer. The hands-on experience allowed me to learn every aspect of event production, which closely mirrors TV and film production. Producing just feels natural to me since I thrived in chaos and troubleshooting is such an adrenaline.
In 2022, I transitioned from freelancing to a corporate role as an Event Coordinator. After a year, I became Event Producer, where I currently oversee FYC screenings and collaborate closely with the VP of Events & Marketing on festival studios and annual year-round events.
The pandemic brought significant challenges that affected all of us in different ways. For me, it was the stability of working year-round. I am still learning to balance the demands of a corporate role with my creative aspirations but this perspective enriches my work, especially as an aspiring filmmaker and producer.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a woman and a person of color in this industry, the journey is never easy. I have witnessed firsthand the blind discrimination and disparities that still exist. While we live in Los Angeles and more people are becoming aware of these issues in our current social climate, there is still much to unlearn. Many still struggle to see beyond my gender & skin color, and what I am capable of doing.
Without the advantage of a prestigious academic background or an enriched network, I had to create my own opportunities. This meant working ten times harder and developing a thicker skin along the way. It’s about learning the rules of the game, mastering them, and then finding ways to play better by improving the rules.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently work as an Event Producer, but my long-term goal is to produce films. I want to advocate for and tell stories about people like me—a woman, a mother, an immigrant, a Filipino, and an Angeleno. The industry has evolved, and minorities are more visible, but as the saying goes, “we are so close yet still so far.” I want my work to be part of that movement, to make an impact and create opportunities for people like me.
I’m fortunate to have found my purpose and to have achieved short-term goals that guide me toward my long-term ambitions. I have a unique perspective from both inside and outside the industry, earning my stripes in operations and logistics. While I am a creative at heart and understand that many creatives struggle with the administrative side of the industry, balancing both is important.
I am proud of the events I’ve executed because I never forget the human factor. I ensure not only the guests’ experience but also the well-being of the staff. It’s important that we support each other instead of competing.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I am the community leader for The Pilates Class in LA, an online platform and Pilates community. Maintaining a work-life balance is very important to me, and TPC allows me to prioritize self-care and wellness. I also have a ClassPass subscription for when I want to attend reformer Pilates classes or indoor rowing.
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of podcasts; the only ones I’ve listened to are crime shows during train rides. My absolute favorite blogs are Freelancing Females, Infatuation LA, The Eastsider LA and Indie Filmmakers. I am also a proud member of Film Independent.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cristinaivane.com/
Image Credits
Photo Credit: Randy Shropshire, Ted Soqui and Urbanite Media
